Which age group is primarily suitable for using the FACES pain scale?

Applying pain assessment tools requires knowledge of pediatric cognitive development. The nurse must select a scale that matches the child's ability to understand symbolic representations and correlate their internal sensation of pain with external visual aids like simplified facial expressions. Choice A rationale Adolescents aged 13 to 18 possess the abstract thinking skills required to use a Numeric Rating Scale from 0 to 10. Using a picture-based scale is developmentally inappropriate for this group, as they can accurately quantify pain intensity numerically. Choice B rationale Adults are expected to use the Numeric Rating Scale or Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment. The FACES scale is specifically designed for pediatric populations who cannot yet perform the complex cognitive task of assigning a number to pain. Choice C rationale Children in this age range are in the preoperational stage of development and can identify with facial expressions. The scale allows them to point to a face that matches their feeling, making it a reliable tool for pain assessment. Choice D rationale Infants under 1 year are non-verbal and cannot use self-report tools like the FACES scale. Pain in infants must be assessed using behavioral and physiological tools such as the FLACC scale or the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale..